A Year of
Learning and Action
As each day passes, the need for climate justice becomes more urgent.
That’s why, over the past year, our generous community has come together to learn more about the climate crisis through a series of events and learning opportunities at the Minneapolis Foundation. We’re striving to raise awareness of the factors contributing to climate change, and to develop new partnerships through which we can take action together—locally, nationally, and globally. We also wanted participants to connect with others who care about protecting our planet, and to gain a better understanding of the levers we all can pull to make a difference.
Virtual Gatherings
To view all videos of our Virtual Gatherings, go here
We kicked off our Climate Re:Action series in early 2021 with several virtual gatherings to showcase the work of emerging climate justice leaders who are doing innovative work right here in our community. These organizations, many of which are grantees of the Minneapolis Climate Action and Racial Equity Fund, included Black Visions Collective, Climate Generation, Lake Street Council, Soulardarity, and The Nature Conservancy of Minnesota.
Sven Sundgaard: Science Advisor
To view all our videos with Sven, go here
We also partnered with meteorologist Sven Sundgaard to explain the climate crisis in a series of videos designed for viewers of all ages.
A longtime Minnesota-based meteorologist, Sven has been studying climate change and ringing the alarm bells for years while broadcasting on TV and digital media.
Sven helped us break down the basics of climate change, how solar energy works, and the consequences of a warming planet. He also shared the great work of Minnesota Renewable Now.
In a special episode of our Conversations with Chanda podcast, Sven sat down with Minneapolis Foundation President & CEO R.T. Rybak to discuss the urgency of climate change and what needs to be done. Sven and R.T. explored how to better explain this increasingly pressing issue, using examples from here in Minnesota and around the world.
Summer Farm Tours
To view all our Summer Farm Tour videos, go here
Our Summer Farm Tours were a chance to get an up-close look at local farms that are using innovative strategies to restore our water and soil, revitalize rural communities, and deepen cultural roots.
“The climate crisis is a huge concern, and combining that with a fascinating farm visit sounded like a not-miss day.” – Jane Howard, donor.
Our first stop was at Sharing Our Roots in Northfield, Minn. In the heat of the July sun, staff members at this 100-acre farm demonstrated a model for a resilient future: A biodiverse system of symbiotically connected livestock and perennials— with no chemical inputs—that builds soil, retains and cleans water, and delivers economic benefits to the community. Next, we headed to Hugo, Minn. to visit Dream of Wild Health, one of the only Native American-led farms in the metro area. Light rain that day didn’t keep anyone from learning how the farm’s staff is restoring health and well-being in the Native community by recovering knowledge of and access to healthy Indigenous foods, medicines, and lifeways.
The tours concluded in September with a two-for-one trip to the west metro. In the morning, we visited the Tangletown Gardens Farm and its charismatic owner, Dean Engelmann. Dean and his team are focused on farming in a way that is not only good for that year’s crops, but more importantly, for future crops and the environment.
In the afternoon, we drove down the road to the Fitzgerald family farm, a leader in organic farming in Minnesota. The Fitzgeralds have raised certified organic row crops for more than 20 years and serve as consultants to other farmers seeking to make the switch to organic production.
What Can You Do?
Our work at the Minneapolis Foundation will continue long past the end of this series. You can partner with us by contributing to our Climate Action and Racial Equity Fund, and by exploring new climate content on our Learning Hub.
